Melania Trump's White House Portrait Draws Backlash for Diamond Ring

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 2017: In this handout image provided by the White House, First Lady Melania Trump poses for her official portrait in her residence at the White House April 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by The White House via Getty Images)The White House

On Monday, the White House released Melania Trump’s official portrait. The image shows the First Lady in a tailored black blazer with a sparkling necktie, looking straight at the camera with her arms crossed. All standard, but there's an element causing outrage from people on Twitter: Melania's 25-carat-diamond 10th anniversary ring, which seems to be featured front and center.

Reportedly the gift—given to her by Donald Trump in 2014—cost a whopping $3 million. Critics have pointed out that it feels wrong to wear a ring that could, essentially, pay for programs cut in the President’s proposed budget like Meals on Wheels, for example. And as Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and even Malia and Sasha Obama have faced criticism in the past for wearing expensive designer clothing (though much of that was gifted or borrowed), some feel it's hypocritical to be silent over the exorbitant price of Melania's ring.

Melania's also been the source of a heated recent debate over whether taxpayers should foot the bill for her choice to live in New York City, and not Washington D.C.

Melania's not the only First Lady whose portrait sparked backlash: Michelle Obama faced criticism for wearing a sleeveless dress in hers, which some felt was inappropriate. No matter where you stand on the current ring debate, it's interesting that this kind of criticism rarely befalls male politicians.